busker

Everyday

A person who plays music, sings, juggles or performs in the street or another public place for money from people passing by. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life in towns in the UK, Ireland, Australia and elsewhere, buskers play guitars, violins or drums on high streets and in train stations, and people may drop coins into a hat or case. Some famous singers started as buskers. In some places buskers need a permit. Phrases: a street busker, busking pitch, go busking.

Examples

• A busker was playing the guitar outside the station. tree →
• We gave the busker a pound for his song. tree →
• The busker juggled fire on the street corner. tree →
• Many famous musicians started as buskers. tree →
• My big brother went busking with his violin. tree →
• Buskers need a permit in some cities. tree →

Note

Countable: a busker, buskers. Verb: busk (busked, busking). Mostly a British, Irish and Australian word; Americans more often say "street performer". Rhymes with "husker".